First things first. Update your profile on professional social media sites, says Frances Reimers, a personal brand consultant and founder of brand consulting business Firestarter LLC.

“Please update your profile pic. A pic of you at the office Christmas party, or holding your dog, really just isn’t the kind of image that’s going to attract the kind of professional attention that you need,” Reimers said. Something more akin to a headshot would be more appropriate.

Number two is keeping an updated professional page. “I’ve seen so many LinkedIn pages where people don’t even have their current employer listed, let alone their full breadth of accolades and achievements,” she said.

“Take an hour out of your life in the coming week and just go in to your LinkedIn account, and make sure everything is completely up to date.”

Number three is to find a main platform. “Choose a social media platform and ride with it… especially professional service providers, less is more. Choose a social media platform that you enjoy, that you understand, and roll with it,” said Reimers.

Fourth is creating and practicing your elevator pitch. “Make sure that you have a pitch of who you are and what you do,” said Reimers. It’s more important to develop a pitch that is engaging and memorable instead of just flat information.

Finally, it’s important to go to networking events.

“Get out there! Meet as many people as you possibly can, and have a positive impact on everybody that you meet… It only serves to help you refine your elevator pitch, get more comfortable speaking in front of more people, and helps you keep a little mental note of how your personal brand can grow, moving forward,” said Reimers.

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